The Rumor
A few weeks ago Fox Sports' Totally NASCAR program reported that they had learned that Bill Elliott was planning on retiring from full-time NASCAR Winston Cup racing at the end of the 2003 season. Bill has since firmly denied the rumors saying that he hasn't decided what he's doing next year yet and that any speculation about his future is just that, speculation.
After some bad luck early in 2003 Bill is currently ninth overall in the Winston Cup standings and has come on strong late in the season with five top ten finishes in the last six races. These are not the statistics we generally associate with a man about to hang it up.
What Will The Final Result Be?
The only person who knows this answer for sure isn't talking, yet. I believe Totally NASCAR's source got it right and that as of late October Bill Elliott had every intention of retiring at the end of this season. But has his late season performance boost changed his mind? Again, only Bill knows for sure.
Personally I hope Bill does retire. I hate it when a driver stays in the sport longer than his desire and talent. There's nothing more pathetic than a former champion scrambling just to make the show every week, having fans take bets on how long it will be before he gets lapped.
There's nothing left for Bill Elliott to accomplish in NASCAR. What better than to walk away a winner? A finale fitting a champion.
